4 WAITAKI HERALD, SEPTEMBER 3, 2014 NEWS Wetland group secures $9k government grant By DANIEL BIRCHFIELD daniel.birchfield@waitakiherald.co.nz Bare patch: The new-look Cape Wanbrow after tree harvesting. Photo: DANIEL BIRCHFIELD/FAIRFAX NZ Cape Wanbrow is open to all By DANIEL BIRCHFIELD daniel.birchfield@waitakiherald.co.nz firewood permits for Cape Wanbrow. The cape is once again open to the W public for recreational use, with harvesting to remove stormdamaged trees now complete. Cape Wanbrow, a popular desti- nation for runners, mountainbikers and people exercising their dogs, had been closed for harvesting for several months after storm damage last June and September. Free firewood for those with permits is once again being made available. But council parks officer Mike Kwant is warning people to stick to the permit’s requirements, particularly around on-selling which is strictly forbidden. ‘‘It’s a community project in mak- ing it available for members of the public for free. If people come and collect it and sell it, it means there’s less for everyone else. ‘‘There was someone who was advertising they had it for sale from Cape Wanbrow . . . it’s interesting they would advertise that. aitaki District Council staff are warning people not to abuse the council’s free ‘‘We let them know they wouldn’t be allowed to get firewood from there in the future.’’ The new firewood permits were made available on September 1. ‘‘The ability to gather free firewood on the cape proved very popular with Waitaki residents so we are pleased to make a second offer.’’ Work was originally scheduled to be done next year but the Waitaki District Council deemed the cape too dangerous for people to use because of a large amount of debris and tree limbs hanging free. The cape was partially opened on Anzac Day. While the most recent round of harvesting was hindered slightly by the elements, Kwant says contractors have done a fine job. ‘‘Despite two days of strong winds hampering operations, the logging contractor has performed very well in ensuring a quick and efficient harvest of the remaining gully trees.’’ People who wish to apply for a per- mit can do so at the council offices on Thames St. Kwant thanked the community for its patience and co-operation during the closure of the cape while harvesting work was being undertaken. The Herbert Wetland Heritage Group has been granted government funding to continue its work at a popular North Otago river. Associate Conservation Minis- ter Nicky Wagner yesterday announced the group would receive $9000 over three years for restoration and enhancement of the Waianakarua River, as part of the group’s Waianakaura River Mouth Wetlands Project which was established in 2010. Four conservation projects around Otago have been given grants totalling $475,000 from the Community Conservation Partnership Fund. Wagner praised the group for ‘‘seizing the initiative’’ and embarking on a mission to restore the area around the river mouth. Herbert Wetland Heritage Group member Bronwyn Judge says the group is delighted to be recognised for its efforts in the form of Government funding. ‘‘We’re very pleased. We’re happy it will give us a bit of impetus and more motivation for people to come to our working bees. ‘‘We have various plans for predator and weed control and that’s what the money will be spent on. ‘‘We’re also hoping to have a weekend where we will bus people in from Oamaru and the surrounding areas to have a camp so people can experience and enjoy the river. ‘‘It’s one of the few remaining rivers that have swimming holes that are not polluted.’’ School children have been involved with the project in the past and Judge hopes that will continue. One of the group’s main focuses is to lure more birds to the river, which means having to eradicate several predators without harming the environment. ‘‘We want to attract birds, but there are quite a few predators like ferrets, stoats, weasels, possums and rabbits. ‘‘We want to eradicate them, Curious: Eels catch children’s attention following the announcement of Community Conservation Partnerships Fund grants. probably in the form of traps, because we don’t want to spread poison.’’ The group is also keen to get hold of some petrol-powered weed removal tools to remove thick patches of weeds, which Judge says is a tough job using non-powered tools. ‘‘They are more effective for removing gorse and woody weeds. We are hopeful we can encourage some of our sponsors to provide us with a couple.’’ COUCH TO RAINBOW - join our 6-week programme and get yourself in shape to run the Rainbow Run in October* . For just $120 you get 3 coached sessions per week and 12 free gym passes (and be in to win a free entry into the Rainbow Run!). “Take advantage of the “Take advantage of the extended creche hours at the Rec extended creche hours at the Rec Centre - care for yourself with Centre - care for yourself with great exercise options while our kids are cared for” great exercise options while your kids are cared for” Waitaki Community Recreation Centre Orwell Street, Oamaru • Ph (03) 434 6932 waitakicrc@xtra.co.nz • www.sportsground.co.nz/waitakicrc If you can walk for 20 minutes, you can do this! Join a supportive group of people with a common aim. *Great for anyone wanting to learn to run or jog. Starts 8 September (number dependent). Judge was also hopeful that eventually penguins would be attracted to the area. The group’s other aims for the river include protecting the habitat of fish such as black flounder and brown trout, as well as eels and species of galaxiids. It also aims to improve recreational, aesthetic and wildlife values and discourage driving around the northern banks of the river mouth. 6271453AA